The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold for refusing to release unredacted voter information. This action comes after Griswold denied a request from the Trump Administration on December 2, 2025, sparking a legal battle over election integrity and data privacy.
Background of the Dispute
The conflict started when the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division asked for detailed voter records from Colorado on December 1, 2025. Griswold quickly turned down the request, stating that her office would not comply because the federal government lacks a legal right to the sensitive information.
This is not the first time Griswold has clashed with federal authorities on voter data issues. In recent weeks, she joined other Democratic officials in questioning how the Trump Administration plans to use such records. The push for voter files ties into broader efforts to check for noncitizens on rolls, following reports from states like Virginia and Texas that removed thousands of ineligible voters.
Griswold has a history of defending Colorado’s election system, which she calls a gold standard. Past court cases, including a 2024 federal judge order to release data on dead voters, show ongoing tensions over transparency.
Details of the Lawsuit
The DOJ filed the suit in federal court on December 11, 2025, demanding Colorado provide the full unredacted voter registration list. The complaint argues that under the National Voter Registration Act, states must share this data for federal oversight.
The requested information includes key personal details that could help verify voter eligibility. Here is what the DOJ is seeking:
- Full names of registered voters
- Dates of birth
- Residential addresses
- Complete driver’s license numbers or last four digits of Social Security numbers
Officials say this data is crucial to ensure fair elections, especially after the 2024 cycle raised questions about voter rolls nationwide. The lawsuit claims Griswold’s refusal violates federal law and hinders efforts to maintain accurate registries.
Colorado is one of at least 15 states facing similar DOJ actions. Other states like New York and California have also resisted, leading to a wave of legal challenges.
Griswold’s Stance and Response
Griswold has stood firm, calling the DOJ’s demand an overreach by the Trump Administration. In a statement on December 11, 2025, she said Colorado will not help undermine elections or harm residents by sharing private data without clear legal grounds.
She pointed out privacy risks, noting that unredacted lists could expose voters to identity theft or harassment. Griswold urged other states to join the fight, framing it as a stand against federal intrusion into state affairs.
Her office highlighted that Colorado already shares redacted voter data publicly, but the full details requested go too far. This position has drawn support from civil rights groups worried about voter suppression.
Supporters argue her refusal protects democracy, while critics say it hides potential fraud. Griswold has faced backlash before, including a failed 2024 attempt to keep Trump off the ballot, which the Supreme Court overturned.
Broader Implications for Elections
This lawsuit could set precedents for how states handle federal data requests. If the DOJ wins, it might force more transparency in voter rolls across the country, aiding efforts to remove noncitizens and duplicates.
Experts predict a drawn-out court battle, possibly reaching higher courts. Election watchdogs note that similar disputes in 2017 under Trump led to a disbanded voter fraud commission amid privacy concerns.
The case ties into recent events, like Trump’s December 11, 2025, announcement of pardoning former Colorado clerk Tina Peters, convicted of tampering with voting equipment. This adds fuel to debates on election security.
On a national scale, the DOJ’s push aligns with promises to clean up voter lists. Reports show over 100,000 noncitizens removed from rolls in various states since 2024, heightening the stakes.
| State | Status of DOJ Request | Key Response Date |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado | Refused | December 2, 2025 |
| New York | Refused | December 3, 2025 |
| California | Refused | December 4, 2025 |
| Virginia | Complied partially | November 2025 |
| Texas | Complied | October 2025 |
Public and Political Reactions
Reactions have split along party lines. Republican leaders praise the DOJ for pursuing integrity, with some calling Griswold’s refusal suspicious. Trump himself has commented on social media, linking it to his election win and vows to fix rigged systems.
Democrats and privacy advocates back Griswold, warning of a slippery slope toward voter intimidation. Public sentiment, based on recent polls, shows 55 percent of Americans support stronger voter verifications, but 60 percent worry about data privacy.
Local Colorado groups have organized rallies, with one in Denver on December 12, 2025, drawing hundreds. Analysts say this could influence 2026 midterms, as trust in elections remains a hot topic.
The outcome might reshape federal-state relations on voting rights, especially with ongoing probes into 2024 irregularities.
What do you think about this lawsuit? Share your views in the comments below and spread the word by sharing this article with friends. Your input helps keep the conversation going on important issues like election transparency.
